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This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.